Depression: A Very Short Introduction

I got this nonfiction book, titled Depression: A Very Short Introduction, in an attempt to try to understand some of the why behind depression. One chapter I found interesting was titled, "Who is at risk of depression?"

 Those at highest risk of depression...
  • depression is most prevalent in those who are economically disadvantaged
  • rates of depression in women are consistently found to be 2x that of men
  • loss of a partner by death, divorce, etc. increases rates of depression
  • highest risk of suicide are those age 15-24 and those over 65 years of age
  • 5% of the global population will be depressed at any one time & 15% of the global population will experience depression at some point in their lifetime
  • average age of onset of depression is mid to late 20s
  • according to the World Health Organization, someone commits suicide every minute 
  • "Most individuals with depression can and do recover from their illness episode and, even if they experience further relapses, suicide is a rare outcome" (p. 43)
Facts about depression

Some of these facts are just shocking. I had no idea that 15% of people will experience prolonged or episodic depression at some point in their lives. I know in recent years there has been a lot more focus on mental health destigmatization and mental health care/research, but if so many people are/will be afflicted, why isn't there a bigger focus on mental health care/resources?

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